Buena Vista, CO to RMNP

AZRick wrote:
Driving new MH (first one), would prefer to take a relatively "calm" route. I've driven some challenging routes in smaller rvs (Slumgullion), but would like to ease into this.

Google suggest taking 24 up to I-70 to 36. In another thread, someone pointed out Boulder traffic would best be avoided.

Google's second suggestion is to take 285 to 470 to 36, which sounds like a gentler route (285) but still the Boulder issue.

I don't want to take Hwy 34 for the reason mentioned in para. 1.

How would 24->I-70->119/72 thru Black Hawk/Eldora/Lyon and into Estes Park be?

I realize there may be no perfect option, but would appreciate your thoughts if you are familiar with these routes/

Thanks!

Rick

From padredw:

I've posted on this topic before. Since my daughter used to live in Buena Vista, and since we used to go to Estes Park almost every year, I'm made the trip with our 34' fifth wheel several times.

Here is my preferred route:

Up to Leadville on US 24, Colorado 91 to Copper Mountain, I-70 east to US 6, to CO 119, to CO 72, US 7/CO 7, to Estes Park.

The section from CO 119 -- US 7 is called the "Peak to Peak Highway." I always enjoy the drive, though I take my time. I have told friends, "There is not a level place or a straight place on this highway, but it's a lot of fun to drive."



This. And just for clarification, you would not go near Eldora, but rather Nederland, and there's no need to go down to Lyons either.

The Peak-to-Peak is a good drive, no significant climbs or steep hills to go down. Yes, you're in the mountains and there will be ups and downs and twists and turns, but that's part of the allure of coming to Colorado! If you want straight roads, they're out on the eastern plains!

Only note to add for the Peak-to-Peak, CO 119 goes from Blackhawk to Nederland, where it then turns east and goes down Boulder Canyon. You don't want to go that way! You'll pick up CO 72 in Nederland and it will take you/end at CO 7 near Raymond. You'll make a left and take CO 7 to Estes Park. Near the Boulder/Larimer County line, the road narrows and gets rougher, so take that in to consideration with your speed. And finally, there's a goodly downhill heading in to Estes Park, so make sure you gear down for the ride down.